CHAPTER VI.

Scenes that seem formed for happiness, moments that appear the brightest gleams of joy, are often, when examined, nearly the abode of sorrow, and the time of discontent. The lordly castle, the gay palace, can seldom, perhaps, compare with the humble dwelling of the peasant, for peace and contentment; nor the light revel, and splendid pageant, stand beside the meal of labour, and the simplicity of

nature.

The castle of lord Hubert was filled with guests invited to the bridal, and animated by all the hurry of preparation. Standing on the romantic height, round which the valley spreads in varied loveliness, with a view of the distant lake beyond, and the far hills stretching in misty grandeur to the sky, it seemed placed in the bosom of beauty. Its lord could look around, and say, "All that I see

is my own, and all that I behold owns me for its ruler." This also was the day when the heir of those wide domains and ancient honours, was to wed the most lovely, the most amiable of women. Nothing could seem fairer for happiness-no prospect could more solicit smiles. But lord Hubert's brow was bent and frowning; his eye was fixed upon the ground, and the kind, condescending master, was changed into the harsh and haughty lord. Flora, the bride, was sorrowful. Her bosom was full of dread and despondency; she had promised to obey, but still she doubted, and still she feared; nor did Edwin seem more at peace; for though no one presumed to enter. his apartment, yet the heavy fall of his footsteps was heard by those who passed continually, pacing within, while vassal and attendant conversed in whispers together, and often asked"Is this the youth who was to return to us, the pride of his clan, the ornament of his house? Is this the bridal we were to

see,

see, whose celebration was to give joy and gladness to a thousand hearts?" while gloomy brows, and downcast looks, shewed too plainly that hope and expectation had been equally disappointed.

Thus stole away the day; and the red sun set in clouds, whose heavy masses rolled like wreaths of snow, pile upon pile, volume upon volume, caught his declining rays, and congregated round the sky, seemed but to wait for the congenial night to pour their mingled tempests on the earth. The fading grey of evening rapidly settled into darkness; and the hour that Flora dreaded, seemed to speed with unnatural swiftness. The gay girls that surrounded her, appeared to wonder at her sadness and terror; but neither mirth nor raillery could banish that fear from her bosom. At length the glare of light, which shone from the windows of the chapel, told that she was waited for; and with a trembling step she descended to the hall. The bridegroom advanced

vanced to lead her to the chapel, but with an involuntary shudder she drew back at his approach. Lord Hubert took her hand" Come, Flora, let me be your conductor then," he said. "Fear not," he whispered, as he led her on, "put your confidence in me.”

The doors of the chapel opened; long rows of blazing tapers shone along the aisle. Escutcheons and banners hung from the roof, and the brightest flowers of spring were strewed upon the pavement. A light equal to that of day beamed from the altar, and full in the centre of the rays stood Cuthbert, the wizard priest. No change was there in his simple garments, no change in his awful features; but the sight of him, severe and plain as he looked, conveyed new hope and confidence to Flora's bosom; and with a firmer step, and brightened aspect, she advanced to the altar.

All had entered; the guests were ranged around, and with a bold and haughty brow

the

the bridegroom placed himself beside the priest.

Cuthbert opened the book, and gazed round the circle, while a dead silence reigned through the whole.-" Where," said the deep impressive voice of the priest, "where is Edwin, heir of lord Hubert?"

Flora trembled with agitation, while for a moment there was a pause." I am he,” replied the bridegroom.

The bright stern eye of the anchorite fixed on him as if it would penetrate his soul." Say!" he exclaimed," shall guilt wed innocence? shall the blood-stained hand clasp that of purity ?"

The cheek of the bridegroom turned deadly pale." Away!" cried he, at length recovering himself, " why ask ye questions that are not pertinent? Proceed, old man, proceed!"

"If thou art Edwin, son of lord Hubert," replied the priest, "advance." He took a step forward, while a hollow blast of wind shook the building to its foundation, and the brightest lights around be

came